Frequently Asked Questions for the Applied Sociology MA Program
What is the difference between an undergraduate degree in sociology and a graduate degree?
Undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in sociology are very different. Undergraduate classes spend a lot of time helping you develop your sociological imagination, learning about research, and writing and talking about the things you read and professors tell you. As a graduate student, you will spend more time learning about how to produce the kinds of research you read about as an undergraduate. This means spending time learning how to design, conduct, interpret, and write up a study; as well as reading and discussing existing sociological work.
What if I didn’t major in sociology? Can I still do an MA in it?
You definitely don’t need to have majored in sociology to apply to our program, many of our students didn’t. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent for an international applicant) from an accredited college or university.
Can I do multiple concentrations?
Yes, you absolutely can! The Applied Research concentration has 9 hours of electives, which can be the classes from the Teaching Sociology or Community Leadership concentration. Similarly, the Community Leadership concentration requires 9 hours of electives, which can come from the Teaching Sociology or Applied Research concentration. The Teaching Sociology concentration should be paired with the Applied Research or Community Leadership, rather than pursued on its own. We also recommend choosing a primary concentration to focus on and completing a second concentration if possible.
Do I have to do a thesis?
No. Students in the Applied Research concentration are required to do either a thesis or a research practicum. Students in the community leadership concentration are welcome to do a thesis or research practicum, but are by no means required to. If interested, please chat with the graduate director about this.
Do I need to pick a potential advisor? And, if so, should I email them to ask if they are taking students?
You are welcome (but in no way required) to contact individual professors to ask about their research interests and plans before you apply. But unlike some disciplines, you are not admitted to work with a specific professor and you do not need their permission or encouragement to apply. It is best to apply because you want to learn about sociology. Our department is small enough that you’ll get to know all our faculty. Only students in the Applied Research concentration are required to do a thesis or research practicum (although other students are welcome to do these, as well).
Do I need to take the GRE?
No. Our program does not require GRE scores.
What grades do I need?
Of course, higher grades are better, but students need a minimum of a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?
Recommendation letters should come from people who can tell us about your research or scholarly ability, as well as sociological interest or passion. These people might include your senior thesis advisor, a professor of a course on methods or statistics, or boss at a research-related job. If you do not have three people in these categories – and most people don’t – then also ask professors of courses in which you performed well. The most important thing is that recommenders know you well. At least one of your recommendation letters needs to come from a professor, though.
I'm applying as an international student, what do i need?
International applicants for whom English is not their first language, or who did not attend an English-speaking university must submit their scores from one of the following English proficiency exams - TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo English Exam (110), or PTE Academic (53) - as well as their certified transcripts. Please see the information for international graduate applicants page to learn more.
Can I arrange a visit to the department prior to being admitted?
Yes, we would love to meet you! Our graduate director is happy to set up a meeting with you or arrange for you to visit a class.
Do you offer online courses or is residency required?
We do not typically offer our graduate courses online. Courses are usually held Monday-Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:50 pm.
Can I work full time while completing this program?
Yes, many, if not most of our students work while completing our MA degree. Courses are held Monday - Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:50 pm.
Where is the department located?
We’re located in Good Hall 219. Good Hall is on the corner of Otterbein Ave. and E. Hanna Ave. If you’re visiting us, you can park in the parking lot for Good Hall after 3 pm. The parking lot is accessible from Windermire St. off of Otterbein Ave. Street parking is also available on Otterbein. If you’re visiting during the day, please let us know and we’ll arrange a visitors parking permit for you. Visitor parking is usually located across Hanna near the campus center. Details will be provided with your permit.
Do you offer assistantships?
Yes, we have a graduate assistantship as well as research assistantships through our Community Research Center (CRC). Please contact the graduate program director for more information.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Current program costs can be found on the Financial Aid page.